Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT)
Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination
[In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.] Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).] Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C
7402(d), and 7407(d)
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Must have advanced ARRT Computed Tomography (CT) certification
Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS-09) Experience
At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
Assignments
For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]
Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently
DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program
Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level
The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
ii
Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers
iii
*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
iv
Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
v
Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
vi
Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients
References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part ll, Appendix G25, date December 13, 2019
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists
Qualification Standard GS-0647
http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf this can be found in the local Human Resources Office
Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability
Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time
Work is performed in a health care setting
Work may involve exposure to infection and possible contagious diseases
Standard precautions and isolation techniques will be employed as indicated
There is occasion where response to physical and/or verbal abuse by patients requires knowledge gained from ongoing violence in the workplace training
Working conditions include: outside and inside work, exposure to radiant energy, constant noise (machinery/equipment), working around hazardous machinery with moving parts, working closely with others.